Wayne Donut shop expands into the ‘D’ with new location at Jefferson and Chene

A dearth of donuts in the greater downtown area has been rectified with the opening of Lia & TJ’s II Donuts on E. Jefferson at Chene.

John and Wilma Ratcliff own Lia & TJ’s Tasty Donuts in Wayne, but they saw a market gap in Detroit proper. They scouted locations around town for a month before settling on Chene Square Plaza.

John was first hoping for an on-street location, but has come to appreciate where they ended up. “With the banks, Fuddruckers, a Chinese restaurant…there is an abundance of people frequenting this shopping area,” he says. “Most who see a donut sign become very attracted to it.”

Donuts are baked fresh daily at their Wayne location, and include classic glazed, cinnamon rolls and apple fritters along with king-sized muffins and bagels. There are five sandwich varieties, soups and salads as well as coffee. “We’ve got coffee that will keep your eyes popping out your head,” says John. Lattes, cappuccino and espresso are also part of the mix.

John found some difficulty negotiating city of Detroit bureaucracy, but is ultimately glad to be here. “I think the city of Detroit has enormous potential or I wouldn’t be here,” he says. “The diversity I’ve observed is so different that 20 or 25 years ago.”

Lia & TJ’s is open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Source: John Ratcliff, Lia & TJ’s II Donuts
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh